Our Family Practice

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Childhood Vaccine Policy

Beginning July 1, 2017 all new pediatric patient accepted into the practice will be required to adhere to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) vaccination schedule. In past years we accepted children into the practice whose parents requested a modified vaccine schedule, or no vaccines at all. While we do respect the rights of parents to decide what is best for their children, we will no longer accommodate requests for an alternative pediatric vaccination plan. Two factors determined this policy change. First, our office is now part of Ocean Medical Center's Family Practice Residency Program. This requires us to provide a standardized learning experience for our doctors-in-training. Proper vaccination of all newborns and children is part of that training. Secondly, as the number of unvaccinated children (and adults) increases, we are all at greater risk of contracting an otherwise preventable infectious disease. This is especially relevant to patients in our waiting room who may be exposed to a disease like measles that is extremely contagious and quite dangerous. We will continue to see and accommodate any children currently in the practice whose parents have chosen an alternative vaccination plan. Please contact us by phone or patient portal with any questions concerning this policy change.